EVERYTHING baby will be at a one-stop shop at the 7th annual Cairns Pregnancy and Baby Expo this weekend.
For the first time, the event has moved to the much larger Fred Moule Pavilion at Cairns Showgrounds under the stewardship of new coordinator Ann Granger
Funds raised from the event support the Special Care Unit at Cairns Hospital through the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
Ms Granger has taken over managing the event following the retirement of Alison Cupitt.
“I’m honoured to take over the role, as I’ve been a stall holder with Little Aussie Monster from the first time it was held,” Ms Granger said.
“This year we’re in a larger venue to allow more space for families with prams and small children to move around. The new venue also means we have space for activities for toddlers and we’ll have free facepainting on the day,” she said.
There are more than $8000 worth of prizes to be won, thanks to the generous support of stallholders who have provided a multitude of items for the raffle.
As well, Child’s World has donated a 55” Smart TV for a lucky door prize, and the Cairns Men’s Shed has donated Maya the Shed Dog rocker, which is another amazing lucky door prize.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan, as a mother of two, said it was a fantastic event for new and existing parents to come together.
“As new parents you want to see everything that’s available in the one place so the Baby Expo is perfect,” Mrs Hogan said.
“This event has raised just over $20, 000 for precious babies in the Special Care Unit at Cairns Hospital in the past seven years and we all know they are some of our most precious patients,” she said.
“Previously funds raised at the Expo have gone towards items such as Cosytherm mattresses to support babies maintaining their body temperature.”
“The Foundation is really fortunate that we have our carpark, cafes and vending machines that support all our administration costs. This means that every cent donated to us through events such as the baby Expo, truly goes where it’s intended.
“Special thanks to Ann, her predecessor Alison, and all the many stallholders and helpers who bring this event to fruition each year.”
Cairns Hospital’s Special Care Nursery can take babies who weigh more than 1000 grams, or 28 weeks’ and more than 1000 are admitted each year.
• The Expo will be held this Sunday, October 23 from 9am-3pm at the Fred Moule Pavilion at Cairns Showground. Entry is by gold coin donation.
Photo: Foundation CEO Gina Hogan and Cairns Pregnancy and Baby Expo coordinator Ann Granger.
